Reigning MotoGP champion Jorge Martin underwent surgery on his right hand following a nasty crash during Sepang MotoGP Test 2025.
The incident has not only disrupted Martin’s preparations for the upcoming 2025 MotoGP season but has also ignited discussions about rider safety and tire performance as Aprilia and Michelin tussle over the cause of the crash.
MotoGP champion Jorge Martin, who secured his first premier class title in 2024, entered the 2025 season with high expectations especially after his move from Pramac to Aprilia Racing.
The transition was seen as an opportunity to further solidify his position as a top contender in the sport. However, the recent crash has cast a shadow of uncertainty over his immediate future and his ability to defend his title.
The incident happened during the first day of pre-season testing at the Sepang International Circuit when Martin lost control of his Aprilia bike at Turn 2. The highside crash sent the 27-year-old Spaniard airborne before he landed heavily on the tarmac, hitting the ground face-first.
The impact was so severe that his helmet shattered, prompting immediate concern for his well-being. Medical personnel swiftly attended to Martin at the scene, and he was subsequently transported to the circuit’s medical center for initial evaluation.
Further examinations at a local hospital revealed fractures in his right hand and left foot. Fortunately, CT scans and MRI scans ruled out any additional injuries.
Following the diagnosis Martin was transferred to a hospital in Barcelona, Spain, where he underwent surgery on his right hand. Dr. Xavier Mir, a renowned specialist in MotoGP rider injuries, led the medical team that performed the procedure.
The hand surgery aimed to address a displaced fracture of the head of the right fifth metacarpal, with reduction and percutaneous fixation using an intramedullary screw.
Aprilia Racing confirmed the success of the surgery stating that Martin would begin functional recovery shortly, depending on his clinical status. However, the team did not specify whether he would be fit for the test in Thailand or the 2025 MotoGP season-opener at Thailand’s Chang International Circuit.
Their statement read: “The operation on Jorge Martin’s right hand was successfully carried out. The medical team at the Dexeus Clinic in Barcelona confirmed this positive outcome.
“The fractures in the left foot did not require surgical intervention. The duration of his unavailability will be assessed in the coming days.”
Aprilia and Michelin clash over Martin’s crash
While Martin’s physical recovery is of paramount importance, the crash has also sparked debate about the potential causes.
Official MotoGP tire supplier, Michelin, suggested the internal tire temperature on Martin’s bike was significantly lower than the optimal temperature, leading to a loss of grip and the subsequent crash.
According to Michelin boss Piero Taramasso, the tire temperature was 15 degrees Celsius lower than the ideal range.
“So, we analysed all this data and the conclusion is clear: Jorge Martin, when he left the box for the last run before the crash, the tyre temperature was 15 degrees less,” Taramasso said. “So, 15 degrees is quite a lot.
“Also at the moment he crashed we compared his tyre temperature with Marco Bezzecchi’s rear tyre temperature – because it’s the same bike, the same time with the medium [compound] rear tyre – and it was 15 degrees less.
“This for sure is a big parameter, with the track condition – remember it was very slippery conditions, it was windy, it was cold, it was only 30 degrees, here normally it’s 50 degrees.
“We had rain overnight, so bad [track] condition – and with the tyre not ready, that’s why the crash happened.”
However, Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola has publicly disagreed with Michelin’s assessment stating that the team’s data does not support the tire supplier’s explanation.
“I would like to make it clear that our data in no way confirms the statements made by Piero Taramasso,” he said.
“I believe that the riders’ safety should be the priority, and I have already suggested to him to set a meeting with all the teams in order to deal constructively with what is clearly a critical situation, as evidenced by the number of injuries.”
The differing opinions between Aprilia and Michelin highlight the complex interplay between motorcycle setup, tire performance, and rider safety in MotoGP. Finding the right balance is crucial for maximizing performance while minimizing the risk of accidents.
Martin’s crash is not an isolated incident as other riders also suffered crashes during Sepang MotoGP Test 2025.
Trackhouse Racing’s Raul Fernandez was forced to withdraw from the preseason test after suffering hand and foot fractures while VR46 rider Fabio Di Giannantonio fractured his collarbone after attempting a wheelie.
